Job Description
The Charleston Library Society, the South’s oldest cultural institution and the second oldest continuously circulating library in the United States, seeks a collaborative, flexible, enthusiastic, and service-oriented individual for the full-time position of Acquisitions Librarian.
The Librarian will be responsible for collection development, cataloging, supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers as needed, and other general duties to assist in the success of the Library Society. Reporting to the Executive Director and her designee, the Librarian will work individually and collaboratively with other librarians and staff.
Within the area of collection development for the Library Society’s circulating collections, the Librarian will oversee selection, acquisition, analysis, maintenance, and promotion of the library’s circulating collections. Selection of materials will be based on reviews, patron requests, staff suggestions, and collection analysis. Acquisition of materials will include purchasing books, audiobooks, videos, and periodicals, managing the allotted budget for materials, reviewing donations, and ordering books for events as needed. Responsibilities under collection analysis will consist of creating reports on collection usage to determine collection improvement strategies, assisting with the inventory of collections, acting as liaison to Collection Development Committee, and participating in the creation and modification of management policy. The Librarian will conduct collection maintenance by directing the weeding of collections, and researching items considered for replacement or de-accession. Promotion of the collections will involve creating reading lists and other marketing materials, and providing reader's advisory service to our members as needed.
The Librarian will catalog appropriate materials by searching OCLC Connexion for existing records or creating MARC-format records according to national standards, and classifying materials using the Cutter classification system. He or she will also oversee the physical processing of items.
Other general duties, when appropriate and as needed, will include: assisting with grant management; ordering office and library supplies; writing reports and articles about collections; front desk duties; providing reference services and research aid; and, attending library events.
Additional Info & Requirements
Required:
- MLS from an ALA-accredited library school.
- Knowledge of current issues and trends in collection management and acquisitions
- Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards, practices, and products, including MARC21 formats and AACR2/RDA.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Ability to lift and handle container that may weigh as much as 40 pounds.
Preferred:
- Working knowledge of OCLC Connexion and Millennium (Innovative Interfaces) software is highly desirable
- Demonstrated knowledge of Cutter classification
- Knowledge of South Carolina or Southern history is a plus
- Experience with budgeting, supervising, and project management
The Community
The Charleston Library Society is located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
HR Info
Anne Cleveland, Executive Director
Email: acleveland@charlestonlibrarysociety.org
Phone: (843) 723-9912
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references by January 23, 2015, via e-mail or mail to Anne Cleveland, acleveland@charlestonlibrarysociety.org, Executive Director, Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401.